Powdery plant vitalizers

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a powdery plant vitalizer and a powdery plant vitalizer composition which are resistant to the oozing of effective components and from which effective components are easily dispersed when the vertilizer is in contact with water to give vitality to plants. Specifically, the present invention relates to a powdery plant vitalizer containing a particle containing at least one compound (A) selected from a specific monohydric or dihydric alcohol (A1), a specific ether compound (A2), a specific fatty acid or its ester compound (A3), a specific organic acid derivative (A4) and a glycerin derivative (A5), an emulsifying-dispersing agent (B) and water-soluble sugars (C) or a particle containing the component (A) and water-soluble sugars (C′) having an emulsifying and dispersing function, the particle having a structure in which the component (A) is dispersed in the form of an oil droplet in the particle, to a method of producing the powdery fertilizer and to a powdery plant fertilizer composition containing at least one selected from these powdery plant fertilizers and a fertilizer component.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a powdery plant vitalizer whichgives no chemical injury to plants and improves the vitality of plantbodies efficiently, and, particularly, to a powdery plant vitalizerwhich is easily emulsified and dispersed to develop plant vitalizingability when it is in contact with water, to a method of producing thevitalizer and to a powdery plant vitalizer composition. It is to benoted that the plant vitalizer meant here means one which activates thewhole of a plant, bringing about effects relating to the enhancement ofplant growth such as the promotion of growth and improvement in yield.

PRIOR ART

[0002] Various nutrients are necessary for the growth of plants. It hasbeen known that the shortage of some of these nutrients causes ahindrance to the growth of plants. For example, the shortage ofnitrogen, phosphorous and potassium which are the three elements forfertilizer results in poor growth of plants in general.

[0003] These fertilizers are essential for the growth of plants.However, even if these fertilizers are supplied in a fixed amount ormore, they cannot contribute to the growth of plants and to animprovement in yield beyond the level obtained by the fixed amount.However, it is an important problem concerning agricultural productionto promote the growth of agricultural products and to increase the yieldof agricultural products per unit area thereby increasing income. Inthis situation, plant growth regulators typified by gibberellin andauxin are used as materials or chemicals which affect specificphysiological functions such as the elongation, flowering, fruiting,budding, rooting, abscission and defoliation of plants. However, theaction of these materials is complicated and there is a possibility ofthese materials harming plants though depending on the method of use,with limiting of the use of these materials.

[0004] In order to solve such a problem, a plant vitalizer is disclosedin JP-A2000-198703which includes a monohydric alcohol having 12 to 24carbon atoms, gives no chemical injury to plants and improves thevitality of plant bodies efficiently. It is rather preferable to supplythis plant vitalizer to plants in the form of an aqueous solution, anaqueous dispersion or an emulsion than to supply the primary alcoholhaving 12 to 24 carbon atoms to plants as it is upon use to make thevitalizer exhibit higher functions. In this case, the concentration ofthe primary alcohol is usually made to be l to 500 ppm.

[0005] The plant vitalizer in the above publication is preferably in theform of a powder, a granule, a tablet or the like and is desirably onewhich is made into a desired dispersion solution when dissolved upon usetaking handling characteristics, preserving stability and the like intoaccount.

[0006] Particularly, a powder is a preferable form because not only itis a commercial product as it is but also it maybe used as raw materialof a granule or tablet. Examples of the characteristics required for thepowder include, besides solubility/dispersibility, a resistance to theoozing of effective components. When effective components are easilyoozed, the powder is blocked during storing, leading to deterioratedsolubility and there are many cases where molding processing(granulation and tabletting) becomes difficult.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a powdery plantvitalizer and a powdery plant vitalizer composition which are resistantto oozing of effective components and from which effective componentsare easily dispersed when the vertilizer is in contact with water togive vitality to plants. Further, the present invention provides amethod in which the powdery plant vitalizer and the powdery plantvitalizer composition can be obtained with ease.

[0008] The present invention relates to a powdery plant vitalizercontaining a particle containing at least one compound (A) (hereinafterreferred to as a component (A)) selected from the following (A1) to(A5), an emulsifying/dispersing agent (B) (hereinafter referred to as acomponent (B)) and water-soluble sugars (C) (hereinafter referred to asa component (C)) and having a structure in which the component (A) isdispersed in the form of an oil droplet in the particle. (A1) Compoundsrepresented by the following formula (1 -1)

[0009] wherein R¹¹ represents a hydrocarbon group having 10 to 22 carbonatoms, R¹² represents a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group or a hydrocarbongroup having 1 to 24 carbon atoms and R¹³ represents a hydrogen atom ora hydrocarbon group having 1 to 24 carbon atoms, wherein any two groupsamong R¹¹, R¹² and R¹³ may be combined to form a ring.

[0010] (A2) Compounds represented by the following formula (2-1):

R²¹—O—(AO)_(m)—R²²  (2-1)

[0011] wherein R²¹ represents a hydrocarbon group which has 12 to 24carbon atoms and may have at least one hydroxyl group, R²² represents ahydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group which has 1 to 24 carbon atoms andmay have at least one hydroxyl group, AO represents an oxyalkylene grouphaving 2 to 4 carbon atoms and m is the average addition mole number ofalkylene oxides and denotes a number from 0 to 5, provided that R²² isnot a hydrogen atom when m is 0.

[0012] (A3) Compounds represented by the following formula (3-1):

R³¹—COO—(AO)_(n)—R³²  (3-1)

[0013] wherein R³¹ represents a hydrocarbon group which has 11 to 29carbon atoms and may have at least one hydroxyl group, R³² represents ahydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group which has 1 to 30 carbon atoms andmay have at least one hydroxyl group, —COR³³ (R³³ represents ahydrocarbon group having 11 to 23 carbon atoms) or a counter ion, AOrepresents an oxyalkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, n is theaverage addition mole number of alkylene oxides and denotes a numberfrom 0 to 5.

[0014] (A4) Organic acid derivatives provided with an organic acidhaving at least two functional groups wherein a group containing 1 to 30carbon atoms is bound with at least one of the functional groups.

[0015] (A5) Glycerol Derivatives

[0016] The present invention also relates to a method of producing thepowdery plant vitalizer of the present invention, the method includingthe steps of preparing an O/W emulsion containing the components (A),(B) and (C) and water and drying the emulsion.

[0017] Also, the present invention relates to a second powdery plantvitalizer containing a particle containing the component (A) andwater-soluble sugars (C′) (hereinafter referred to as a component (C′))having an emulsifying-dispersing function and having a structure inwhich the component (A) is dispersed in the form of an oil droplet inthe particle.

[0018] The present invention also relates to a method of producing thesecond powdery plant vitalizer of the present invention, the methodincluding the steps of preparing an O/W emulsion containing thecomponents (A) and the component (C′) and water and water and drying theemulsion.

[0019] Moreover, the present invention relates to a powdery plantvitalizer composition containing at least one selected from the powderyplant vitalizer and second powdery plant vitalizer of the presentinvention and a fertilizer component.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] <Component (A)>

[0021] In the present invention, the component (A) is an effectivecomponent of the plant vitalizer and at least one compound selected fromthe following components (A1) to (A5).

[0022] Component (A1)

[0023] In the formula (1-1), each hydrocarbon group of R¹¹, R¹² and R¹³may be saturated or unsaturated and is preferably saturated or may beany of a straight-chain type, branched chain type and cyclic type, ispreferably a straight-chain type or branched chain type and particularlypreferably a straight-chain type. Also, any two of R¹¹, R¹² and R¹³ maybe combined to form a ring. Further, the total carbon number of thehydrocarbon group is preferably an odd number though it may be an oddnumber or even number.

[0024] Also, the total carbon number of R¹¹, R¹² and R¹³ is preferably50 or less, more preferably 10 to 48, even more preferably 10 to 44,even more preferably 10 to 22, even more preferably 12 to 20.

[0025] In the formula (1-1), the number of carbons of R¹¹ is preferably12 to 22, more preferably 12 to 20 and still more preferably 14 to 18.Also, the compound represented by the formula (1-1) has a total carbonnumber of, preferably 12 to 48, more preferably 16 to 28 andparticularly preferably 16 to 20. Further, the compound is preferablyone having the total carbon number of 12 to 24 and one hydroxyl group,more preferably one having the total carbon number of 14 to 22 and onehydroxyl group and even more preferably one having the total carbonnumber of 16 to 20 and one hydroxyl group. Specific examples of thecompound represented by the formula (1-1) include the followingcompounds.

[0026] (A1-1)

[0027] Examples of the compound represented by the formula (1-1) include1-alkanols represented by CH₃(CH₂)_(o−1)OH (o denotes an integer from 12to 24, preferably 14 to 24, more preferably 14 to 22 and particularlypreferably 16 to 20). Specifically, examples of the compound representedby the formula (1-1) include monohydric alcohols having 12 to 24 carbonatoms. Specific examples of the compound include 1-dodecanol,1-tridecanol, 1-tetradecanol, 1-pentadecanol, 1-hexadecanol,1-heptadecanol, 1-octadecanol, 1-nonadecanol, 1-eicosanol,1-heneicosanol, 1-docosanol, 1-tricosanol and 1-tetracosanol.

[0028] (A1-2)

[0029] Examples of the compound represented by the formula (1-1) include2-alkanols represented by CH₃CH(OH) (CH₂)_(p)-₃CH₃(p denotes an integerfrom 12 to 24, preferably 16 to 24 and more preferably 16 to 20).Specific examples of these 2-alkanols include 2-dodecanol, 2-tridecanol,2-tetradecanol, 2-pentadecanol, 2-hexadecanol, 2-heptadecanol,2-octadecanol, 2-nonadecanol and 2-eicosanol.

[0030] (A1-3)

[0031] Examples of the compound represented by the formula (1-1) includeterminal unsaturated alcohols represented by CH₂=CH(CH₂)_(q-2)OH (qdenotes an integer from 12 to 24, preferably 16 to 24 and morepreferably 16 to 20). Specific examples of these alcohols include11-dodecene-1-ol, 12-tridecene-1-ol and 15-hexadecene-1-ol.

[0032] (A1-4)

[0033] Examples of other unsaturated long-chain alcohols include oleylalcohol, elaidyl alcohol, linoleyl alcohol, linolenyl alcohol,eleostearyl alcohol (aorp), ricinoyl alcohol and phytol.

[0034] (A1-5)

[0035] Examples of the compound represented by the formula (1-1) include1,2-diols represented by HOCH₂CH(OH) (CH₂)_(r−2)H (r denotes an integerof 12 to 24, preferably 16 to 24 and more preferably 16 to 20). Specificexamples of these 1,2-diols include 1,2-dodecanediol,1,2-tetradecanediol, 1,2-hexadecanediol and 1,2-octadecanediol.

[0036] Among the above (A1-1) to (A1-5), (A1-1), (A1-2), (A1-4) and(A1-5) are preferable, (A1-1), (A1-2) and (A1-4) are more preferable,(A1-1) and (A1-4) are still more preferable and (A1-1) is particularlypreferable.

[0037] Component (A2)

[0038] In the formula (2-1) of the component (A2), each hydrocarbongroup of R²¹ and R²² may be saturated or unsaturated and is preferablysaturated or may be any of a straight-chain type, branched chain typeand cyclic type, is preferably a straight-chain type or branched chaintype and particularly preferably a straight-chain type. Also, eachhydrocarbon group of R²¹ and R²² may have at least one hydroxyl group.Also, the total numbers of carbons of R²¹ and R²² are respectivelypreferably 50 or less, more preferably 12 to 48 and particularlypreferably 16 to 44. Also, the compound represented by the formula (2-1)has a total carbon number of preferably 12 to 48, more preferably 24 to48 and particularly preferably 32 to 40. AO in the formula (2-1) ispreferably one or more groups selected from an oxyethylene group,oxypropylene group and oxybutylene group. m AOs may be the same ordifferent and may be either random or block. Specific examples of thecompound represented by the formula (2-1) include the followingcompounds. Among these compounds, compounds of the formula (A2-1) arepreferable.

[0039] (A2-1)

[0040] Examples of the compound represented by the formula (2-1) includedi-n-alkyl ethers represented by CH₃(CH₂)_(s−1)—O—(CH₂)_(s−1)CH₃ (sdenotes an integer of 12 to 24, preferably 16 to 24 and more preferably16 to 20) Specific examples of these di-n-alkyl ethers include didodecylether, ditridecyl ether, ditetradecyl ether, dipentadecyl ether,dihexadecyl ether and dioctadecyl ether.

[0041] (A2-2)

[0042] Examples of the compound represented by the formula (2-1) includevinyl ethers represented by CH₂═CH—OR^(3a) (R^(3a) represents an alkylor alkenyl group having 12 to 24 and preferably 16 to 24 carbon atoms).Specific examples of these vinyl ethers include vinyl lauryl ether,vinyl myristyl ether, vinyl cetyl ether, vinyl stearyl ether, vinyloleyl ether and vinyl linoleyl ether.

[0043] When the compound of the formula (2-1) has a hydrophilic groupand a hydrophobic group, the Griffin's HLB of the compound is preferablyless than 10, more preferably 8 or less, still more preferably 7 or lessand particularly preferably 5or less. This Griffin's equation is givenby the following formula:

[0044] HLB=(Molecular weight of hydrophilic group/Molecular weight ofsurfactant)×(100/5) (“New Guide to Surfactant” Sanyo ChemicalIndustries, Ltd., issued on Nov. 1, 1985, p.128).

[0045] Component (A3)

[0046] In the formula (3-1) of the component (A3), each hydrocarbongroup of R³¹ and R³² may be saturated or unsaturated and is preferablysaturated or may be any of a straight-chain type, branched chain typeand cyclic type, is preferably a straight-chain type or branched chaintype and particularly preferably a straight-chain type. Also, the totalnumbers of carbons of R³¹ and R³²are respectively preferably 50 or less,more preferably 12 to 48 and particularly preferably 16 to 44.

[0047] Also, the hydrocarbon group of R³¹ may have at least one hydroxylgroup. The number of carbons of the hydrocarbon group is preferably 11to 29, more preferably 13 to 21 and still more preferably 15 to 19.Also, the hydrocarbon group of R³ ¹may be saturated or unsaturated andis preferably saturated or may be any of a straight-chain type, branchedchain type and cyclic type, is preferably a straight-chain type orbranched chain type and particularly preferably a straight-chain type.Specific examples of R³¹ include alkyl groups such as a undecyl group,tridecyl group, pentadecyl group, heptadecyl group, nonadecyl group andheneicosyl group; and alkenyl groups such as a pentadecenyl group,heptadecenyl group and nonadecenyl group. Alkyl groups such as apentadecyl group, heptadecyl group and nonadecenyl group; and alkenylgroups such as a pentadecenyl group, heptadecenyl group and nonadecenylgroup are more preferable. Alkyl groups such as a pentadecyl group,heptadecyl group and nonadecyl group are particularly preferable.

[0048] Also, R³² in the formula (3-1) represents a hydrogen atom or ahydrocarbon group (preferably an alkyl group or an alkenyl group) whichhas 1 to 30 and preferably 1 to 22 carbon atoms and may have at leastone hydroxyl group, —COR³³ (R³³ represents a hydrocarbon group having 11to 23 carbon atoms) or a counter ion. Specific examples of R³² includealkyl groups such as a lauryl group, tetradecyl group, hexadecyl group,octadecyl group, arachinyl group and behenyl group; acyl groups such asa lauroyl group, myristoyl group, palmitoyl group, stearoyl group,arachidoyl group and behenoyl group; and alkenyl groups such as atetradecenyl group, hexadecenyl group, oleyl group, codoyl group anddocosenyl group. Preferable examples include alkyl groups such as ahexadecyl group, octadecyl group and arachinyl group; acyl groups suchas a palmitoyl group, stearoyl group and arachidoyl group; and alkenylgroups such as a hexadecenyl group, oleyl group and codoyl group.Particularly preferable examples include alkyl groups such as ahexadecyl group, octadecyl group and arachinyl group. As specificexamples of the counter ion, any of alkali metals such as sodium andpotassium, alkali earth metals such as calcium and magnesium, alkylaminesalts such as trimethylamine and triethylamine and alkanolamine saltssuch as ethanolamine may be given. Among these examples, alkali metalsand alkali earth metals are preferable.

[0049] AO in the formula (3-1) is preferably one or more groups selectedfrom an oxyethylene group, oxypropylene group and oxybutylene group,wherein n AOs may be the same or different and may be any of a randomtype and block type.

[0050] Among the components (A3), compounds represented by the formula(3-1) wherein n is 0 to 5, R³¹ is an alkyl group or an alkenyl grouphaving 13 to 21 carbon atoms and R³² is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl grouphaving 1 to 22 carbon atoms or an acyl group, an alkenyl group having 2to 22 carbon atoms or a counter ion (provided that the counter ion isexcluded when n is not 0) are particularly preferable.

[0051] Also, when the compound of the formula (3-1) has a hydrophilicgroup and a hydrophobic group, the aforementioned Griffin's HLB ispreferably less than 10, more preferably 8 or less, still morepreferably 7 or less and particularly preferably 5 or less.

[0052] Component (A4)

[0053] Examples of the functional group of the component (A4) include acarboxyl group, hydroxyl group and amino group. The organic acidpreferably has at least one hydroxyl group. Also, examples of the groupto be connected to the functional group include an alkyl group, alkenylgroup, alkylamino group and oxyalkylene group. As the component (A4),compounds represented by the following formula (4-1) are preferable.

A-(B)_(n)-C  (4-1)

[0054] wherein:

[0055] A and C: respectively represent a group selected from thefollowing groups:

[0056] B: represents a group selected from the following groups:

[0057] X, Y and Z: respectively represent a hydrogen atom or a counterion;

[0058] R⁴¹, R⁴⁴ and R⁴⁹: respectively represent a hydrocarbon grouphaving 1 to 30 carbon atoms;

[0059] R⁴⁵: a group selected from

[0060] a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms and an acyl grouphaving 1 to 30 carbon atoms.

[0061] R⁴², R⁴³, R⁴⁶, R⁴⁷, R⁴⁸, R^(4a), R^(4b), R^(4c), R^(4d), R^(4e)and R^(4f): respectively represent a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbongroup having 1 to 30 carbon atoms;

[0062] a: a number of 0 or one or more;

[0063] l, m, n, o, p, q, r, s and t: respectively denotes a number of 0to 10; and

[0064] u and v: respectively denote a number of 1 to 50, wherein thesegroups and numbers are selected such that a group containing 1 to 30carbon atoms is connected with at least one functional group in themolecule and B is not a group selected from

[0065] when A and C are both groups selected from —R⁴⁴, —OH and —OR⁴⁵.

[0066] R⁴¹, R⁴⁴ and R⁴⁹ in the formula (4-1) are respectively ahydrocarbon group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms. R⁴¹ and R⁴⁹ arerespectively a hydrocarbon group having preferably 12 to 26 and morepreferably 14 to 22 carbon atoms. Also, R⁴ is a hydrocarbon group havingpreferably 1 to 10 and more preferably 1 to 5 carbon atoms. R⁴¹, R⁴⁴ andR⁴⁹ are respectively preferably an alkyl group or an alkenyl group.Also, the hydrocarbon group and preferably the alkyl group and alkenylgroup of each of R⁴¹, R⁴⁴ and R⁴⁹ may be either saturated or unsaturatedand are preferably saturated, may be any of a straight-chain group,branched group and cyclic group, preferably a straight-chain group orbranched group and more preferably a straight-chain group. Specificexamples of R⁴¹, R⁴⁴ or R⁴⁹ include alkyl groups such as a lauryl group,tetradecyl group, hexadecyl group, octadecyl group, eicosyl group (alkylgroup having 20 carbon atoms), behenyl group (alkyl group having 22carbon atoms); and alkenyl groups such as C14F1 group (the numeral nextto C indicates the number of carbons and the numeral next to F indicatesthe number of unsaturated bonds, the same as follows), C16F1 group,C18F1 group, C20F1 group and C22F1 group.

[0067] R⁴²,R⁴³, R⁴⁶,R⁴⁷, R⁴⁸, R^(4a), R^(4b), R^(4c), R^(4d), R^(4e) andR^(4f) in the formula (4-1) respectively represent a hydrogen atom or ahydrocarbon group having 1 to 30, preferably 12 to 26 and morepreferably 14 to 22 carbon atoms and preferably a hydrocarbon group. Thehydrocarbon group is preferably an alkyl group or an alkenyl group. Thehydrocarbon group and preferably the alkyl group or alkenyl group may besaturated or unsaturated and preferably saturated, and may also be anyof a straight-chain group, branched group and cyclic group, preferably astraight-chain group or a branched group and more preferably astraight-chain group.

[0068] Also, X, Y and Z in the formula (4-1) are respectively a hydrogenatom or a counter ion. Specific examples of the counter ion includealkali metals such as sodium and potassium, alkali earth metals such ascalcium and magnesium, alkylamine salts such as trimethylamine andtriethylamine and alkanolamines such as ethanolamine. Alkali metals andalkali earth metals are preferable.

[0069] Also, a in the formula (4-1) is the total number of B. When twoor more Bs in the formula (4-1) exist, that is, when a≧2, B may be thesame or different types among the groups defined above.

[0070] The organic acid constituting the component (A4) is preferablyhydroxycarboxylic acid such as citric acid, gluconic acid, malic acid,lactic acid and tartaric acid and more preferably citric acid.

[0071] When the component (A4) has a hydrophilic group and a hydrophobicgroup, the aforementioned Griffin's HLB of the component (A4) ispreferably less than 10, more preferably 8 or less and particularlypreferably 5 or less.

[0072] Component (A5)

[0073] The glycerin derivative of the component (A5) is preferablyselected from the group consisting of esters of glycerin and an acid(hereinafter referred to as a glycerin ester), ethers of glycerin and ahydroxyl group-containing compound (hereinafter referred to as aglycerin ether), condensates of glycerin or their derivatives andglyceric acids and their derivatives.

[0074] The acids constituting glycerin esters may be either organicacids or inorganic acids. Examples of the organic acid include organicacids having 1 to 30, preferably 4 to 30 and more preferably 12 to 24carbon atoms. Examples of the inorganic acid include phosphoric acid,sulfuric acid and carbonic acid and the inorganic ester may be a salt.As the glycerin ester, esters of glycerin and an organic acid,specifically, monoesters, diesters or triesters of glycerin and anorganic acid are preferable. As the glycerin organic acid triester,synthesized triesters and oil & fats including animal oil & fats such asbeef tallow, lard, fish oil and whale oil and vegetable oil & fats suchas coconut oil, palm oil, palm stearin oil, caster oil, soybean oil andolive oil may be used, and oil & fats are preferable.

[0075] Examples of the hydroxyl group-containing compound constitutingthe glycerin ethers include alcohols having 1 to 30, preferably 4 to 30and more preferably 12 to 24 carbon atoms. Examples of the glycerinether include glycerin monoalkyl ethers such as butyl alcohol,isostearyl glyceryl ether and behenyl glyceryl ether. Diethers andtriethers may also be used. Also, the glycerin ethers include alkyleneoxide (hereinafter referred to as AO) adducts of glycerin. Here, the AOaverage addition mol number of the adduct is preferably 1 to 30, morepreferably 1 to 10 and particularly preferably 1 to 5. Moreover, AOadducts of mixtures of oil & fats and glycerin may be used. The AOaverage addition mol number of the adduct is preferably 1 to 30, morepreferably 1 to 10 and particularly preferably 1 to 5.

[0076] Examples of a glycerin condensate or its derivative includepolyglycerins represented by the following formula (5-1) or theirderivatives.

[0077] In the formula, n denotes a number of 2 to 50, R represents ahydrogen atom or an acyl group having 2 to 31 carbon atoms, X representsan alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms and m₁, m₂ and m₃respectively denote a number of 0 to 3.

[0078] Glyceric acid is obtained by oxidizing glycerin or glycerylaldehyde. In the present invention, glyceric acid derivatives such asglyceric acid esters and glyceric acid amides may be used.

[0079] It is to be noted that when the glycerin derivative according tothe present invention has a hydrophilic group and a hydrophobic group,the aforementioned Griffin's HLB of the glycerin derivative ispreferably less than 10, more preferably 8 or less and particularlypreferably 5 or less.

[0080] Among the component (A) as aforementioned, monohydric alcoholshaving 12 to 24 carbon atoms are preferable, monohydric alcohols having14 to 22 carbon atoms are more preferable and monohydric alcohols having16 to 20 carbon atoms are even more preferable. The hydrocarbon group ofthe monohydric alcohol may be either saturated or unsaturated and may beany of a straight-chain type, branched type and cyclic type. Thehydrocarbon group of the monohydric alcohol is preferably astraight-chain type or a branched type and particularly preferably astraight-chain alkyl group. Specific examples of the monohydric alcoholinclude 1-dodecanol (lauryl alcohol), 1-hexadecanol (cetyl alcohol),1-octadecanol (stearyl alcohol), 1-eicosanol, 1-docosanol (behenylalcohol), phytol and oleyl alcohol and alcohols derived from natural oil& fats.

[0081] These components (A) may be used in combinations of two or moreaccording to the need.

[0082] The content of the component (A) in the powdery plant vitalizeris preferably 5% by weight or more and more preferably 10% by weight ormore of the powdery plant vitalizer from an economical point of view.The content of the component (A) is preferably 70% by weight or less andmore preferably 50% by weight or less of the powdery plant vitalizerfrom the viewpoint of solubility of the particle and the development ofthe effect of the particle. Accordingly, the content is preferably 5 to70% weight and more preferably 10 to 50% by weight of the powdery plantvitalizer from the viewpoint of economy, solubility and the developmentof effects.

[0083] <Component (B)>

[0084] No particular limitation is imposed on the component (B) as faras it has the ability to emulsify and disperse the component (A) stablyas oil droplets and gives no adverse influence in the stage of formingparticles. Examples of the component (B) include nonionic surfactantssuch as sodiumcaseinate, gelatin, emulsion protein, water-solubleproteins such as soybean proteins, gums such as gum arabic and xanthanegum, cane sugar fatty acid ester, esterified processed starch, lecithin,glycerin fatty acid ester and polyglycerin fatty acid ester and anionicsurfactants such ascarboxylicacidtypes, sulfonicacidtypes, sulfate typesand phosphate types. It is to be noted that gums such as gum arabic andxanthane gum, esterified processed starch and the like may be used asthe water-soluble sugars (C′) component having emulsifying-dispersingability.

[0085] It is preferable to use at least one emulsifying-dispersing agenthaving a solid state at normal temperature among these components fromthe viewpoint of the development of effects, emulsifying and dispersingability and particle-forming ability. Specifically, a water-solubleprotein and esterified processed starch are preferable and sodiumcaseinate and starch octenylsuccinate are particularly preferable.

[0086] Also, the aforementioned emulsifying-dispersing agents may beused in combinations of two or more. Combined effects can be expected bythis combination.

[0087] The content of the component (B) in the powdery plant vitalizeris preferably 1% by weight and more preferably 5% by weight or more ofthe powdery plant vitalizer from the viewpoint of emulsifying-dispersingability. The content of the component (B) is preferably 60% by weight orless, more preferably 50% by weight or less, even more preferably 40% byweight or less and even more preferably 30% by weight or less of thepowdery plant vitalizer from the viewpoint of the development ofeffects, the solubility of particles and cost. Accordingly, the contentof the component (B) is preferably 1 to 60% by weight, more preferably 1to 50% by weight, even more preferably 5 to 40% by weight and even morepreferably 5 to 30% by weight of the powdery plant vitalizer from theviewpoint of the development of effects, emulsifying-dispersing ability,solubility and cost.

[0088] Also, the ratio (B)/(A) by weight of the component (B) to thecomponent (A) is preferably 1/5 to 5/1 and more preferably 1/3 to 3/1with the view of developing the effects stably and obtaining a goodsolubility.

[0089] <Component (C)>

[0090] The component (C) is an excipient for fixing the component (A) asoil droplets to form particles and is water-soluble sugars which solverapidly when they are in contact with water. Examples of these sugarsinclude glucose, fructose, lactose, maltose, cane sugar, dextrin,cyclodextrin, maltose, fructose, pluran, or sugar alcohols such assorbitol and mannitol. Among these sugars, dextrin is particularlypreferable from the viewpoint of solubility, hygroscopicity andparticle-forming ability. Also, the above water-soluble sugars may beused in combinations of two or more according to the need.

[0091] The content of the component (C) in the powdery plant vitalizeris preferably 5 to 90% by weight and more preferably 20 to 70% by weightof the powdery plant vitalizer from the viewpoint of particle-formingability though no particular limitation is imposed on it because it ischanged by the amounts of the components (A) and (B) to be compounded.

[0092] Water-soluble sugars (component (C′)) having the ability toemulsify and disperse the component (A) in water may be used in place ofthe component (C). In this case, the component (B) may be either addedor not. Specific examples of the component (C′) include gums such as gumarabic, xanthane gum and esterified processed starch. The content of thecomponent (C′) in the powdery plant vitalizer is preferably 20 to 95% byweight and more preferably 30 to 85% by weight.

[0093] <Other Components>

[0094] The powdery plant vitalizer of the present invention may containother materials according to the need besides the components (A), (B)and (C). Examples of these materials include an antioxidant, antiseptic,antistatic agent, chelating agent, breaking agent (water-solubleinorganic salts and water-insoluble materials) and fertilizer. Thepowdery plant vitalizer of the present invention may also contain theraw materials to be used and water derived from the production process.The content of water in the powdery plant vitalizer is preferably 10% byweight or less of the powdery plant vitalizer from the viewpoint ofwater activity relating to the proliferation of bacteria and morepreferably 5% by weight or less from the viewpoint of suppressingblocking.

[0095] A surfactant may be further compounded separately with theintention of improving the dispersibility of the component (A) when thepowdery plant vitalizer is dissolved in water. Preferable examples ofthe surfactant include ester group-containing nonionic surfactants,carboxylic acid type, sulfonic acid type, sulfate type and phosphatetype anionic surfactants and amphoteric surfactants and sulfonic acidtype surfactants and sulfate type surfactants are more preferable. Thesesurfactants may be used in combinations of two or more.

[0096] <Powdery Plant Vitalizer>

[0097] The particle constituting the powdery plant vitalizer of thepresent invention has a structure in which the component (A) isdispersed in the state of oil droplets in the inside of a particleconsisting of the components (B) and (C) or the component (C′) accordingto the need.

[0098] Here, the structure in which the component (A) is dispersed inthe state of oil droplets in a particle implies the condition that thecomponent (A) is present as small particles (oil droplets), the surfaceof which is covered by a layer consisting of the components (B) and (C)or the component (C′) according to the need, so that the component (A)is discontinuously fixed. This condition should be discriminated fromthe condition that the component (A) is continuously retained when aparticle is formed by allowing a porous body to adsorb (be impregnatedwith) the component (A). FIG. 1 shows an example of the structure of aparticle according to the present invention and FIG. 2 shown an exampleof the structure obtained by allowing a porous body to adsorb (beimpregnated with) the component (A).

[0099] The oil droplet of the component (A) may be either in a liquidstate or in a solid state or may contain a part of other components.Also, the fixed state shows the condition of the component (A) retainedin such a manner that it oozes out of the particle with difficulty. Theoozing-out level of the component (A) is as follows if its is indicatedin detail when the component (A) is fixed (so-meant in the presentinvention) inside of the particle: the component (A) is not oozed out atall at a power level applied by pressing strongly using fingers and theooze rate is 5% by weight or less in a pressure test (see themeasurement of ooze rate in the examples) using a copactor. On the otherhand, in the case of the powder prepared by allowing a porous powder toadsorb (be impregnated with) the component (A), many ooze phenomena canbe confirmed only by pressing using fingers and the ooze rate is 5% byweight or more in a pressure test using a copactor.

[0100] The particle constituting the powdery plant vitalizer has such astructure, which allows the components (B) and (C) and also thecomponent (C′) to dissolve when it is in contact with water and thecomponent (A) is supplied as fine oil droplets or particles to plants tothereby be able to improve the vitality of these plants efficiently.Moreover, the particle is a powder which is limited in the ooze of thecomponent (A) from the particle more greatly than the adsorption type(impregnated type) powder and therefore a number of merits such aslimited blocking during storage, improved shape processability and anincrease in the content of the component (A) can be obtained.

[0101] The structure in which the component (A) is dispersed in the formof an oil droplet may be identified by observing the sectional surfaceof the particle and by examining the dissolved and dispersed state ofthe powder and the ooze rate of the component (A) from the particle.

[0102] The average particle diameter of the particle constituting thepowdery plant vitalizer of the present invention is preferably 10 to 500μm and more preferably 20 to 300 μm from the viewpoint of solubility andfluidity. Also, the particle may be either a single particle or acoagulated particle.

[0103] Also, the average particle diameter of the component (A)dispersed in the form of an oil droplet in the particle constituting thepowdery plant vitalizer of the present invention is preferably 50 μm orless, more preferably 0.05 to 50 μm and still more preferably 0.1 to 30μm from the viewpoint of the effect of improving the vitality of plants.The average particle diameter of the component (A) dispersed in the formof an oil droplet can be measured by a laser diffraction/scatteringmethod after the powdery plant vitalizer is dispersed in a liquid, suchas water, which does not dissolve the component (A) (see a method ofmeasuring emulsion-dispersion diameter in the examples).

[0104] As mentioned above, the powdery plant vitalizer of the presentinvention is a very effective powdery plant vitalizer which is dissolvedand dispersed rapidly when it is in contact with water and can improvethe vitality of plants efficiently when it is supplied to these plants.Here, the “plant vitalizer” activates the whole of the plant and has theeffect of enhancing the growth of plants without any limitation to itsuse. Also, here the “plants” represent those recognized from the term“plant” itself and the plant on taxonomy such as vegetables, fruits,fruit trees, grains, seeds, bulbs, flowers and fragrant grasses (herbs).

[0105] The powdery plant vitalizer of the present invention asaforementioned is constituted of a particle containing the component (A)and the water-soluble sugars (component (C) or (C′)), including amaterial having the ability of emulsifying and dispersing the component(A) in water and having a structure in which the component (A) isdispersed in the form an oil droplet in the particle.

[0106] <Method of Producing the powdery Plant Vitalizer>

[0107] As the method of producing the powdery plant vitalizer of thepresent invention, a method in which an O/W emulsion containing thecomponents (A), (B) and (C) and water and dried is preferable althoughno particular limitation is imposed on the method as far as it is amethod that can form a structure in which the component (A) is dispersedin the form of an oil droplet in the particle.

[0108] If the method in which the emulsion is dried is used, a capsulein which the surface of the component (A) is covered with a filmconstituted of the components (B) and (C) is formed, which permits theformation of a structure resistant to the oozing of the component (A),making it easy to obtain a powder having a high effect on restriction ofblocking when the product is stored.

[0109] In the case of producing the particle constituting the powderyplant vitalizer by drying the emulsion, first the components (A), (B)and (C) and water are mixed to prepare an O/W emulsion (including adispersion, the same as follows) to disperse the component (A) as finedroplets. At this time, it is preferable that the component (A) be usedafter it is melted under heating above the melting point of thecomponent (A). The obtained O/W emulsion is dried by a usual dryingmethod to obtain a particle in which the component (A) is dispersed inthe form of an oil droplet.

[0110] It is to be noted that this also applies to the case where thecomponent (C′) is used in place of the components (B) and (C).

[0111] Although no particular limitation is imposed on the blendingorder of each component when the O/W emulsion is prepared, it ispreferable, for example, that the components (B) and (C) be dissolved inwater and the melted component (A) be added to the aqueous solution.Also, it is possible that the component (B) is dissolved in thecomponent (A), which is then added to an aqueous solution of water andthe component (C). The amount of water used at this time is preferably20 to 300 parts by weight and more preferably 50 to 200 parts by weightbased on 100 parts by weight of the constitutional components of theparticle constituting the powdery plant vitalizer from an operationalpoint of view though no particular limitation is imposed on the amountof water as far as a stable emulsion-dispersion solution can be formed.

[0112] Also, when emulsification-dispersion is carried out, it ispreferable to use a an agitation type emulsifier such as a static typeemulsifying-dispersing machine, homomixer or line mixer or a highpressure emulsifier such as a homogenizer to emulsify and disperse thecomponent (A) stably into a desired size. If, particularly, thetreatment is carried out using a high pressure emulsifier after apre-dispersing operation is carried out using a static typeemulsifying-dispersing machine or an agitation type emulsifier, a moreuniform and finer emulsion-dispersion solution is obtained and istherefore preferable.

[0113] As to a method of drying the resulting O/W emulsion, a usualmethod maybe used without any particular limitation. Examples of thedrying method include a spray drying, freeze drying, vacuum drying, beltdrying, tray drying and drum drying. When the emulsion is dried using amethod other than the spray drying, it is then pulverized to obtain aparticle having a desired particle diameter.

[0114] It is particularly preferable to use a spray drying method amongthe above drying methods from the viewpoint of industrial production andavailability of a capsulated spherical particle.

[0115] When the particle constituting the powdery plant vitalizer isformed by a spray drying method, the particle diameter of the particlemay be optionally adjusted by a spray nozzle to be used and, asrequired, the resulting particles are further coagulated to form acoagulated particle. Also, because the powdery plant vitalizer of thepresent invention is resistant to the oozing of components even if aload is applied, it may be made into a granule or tablet by extrusiongranulation, briquetting and tablet-making.

[0116] Preferable examples of a combination of the components (A), (B)and (C) when the particle constituting the powdery plant vitalizer isproduced by drying the emulsion include a combination of stearyl alcoholas the component (A), sodium caseinate or starch octenylsuccinate as thecomponent (B) and dextrin as the component (C).

[0117] <Powdery Plant Vitalizer Composition>

[0118] The powdery plant vitalizer of the present invention may be madeinto a powdery plant vitalizer composition by further compounding afertilizer component. In the case where a fertilizer component issufficiently supplied as a base fertilizer in the soil when a powderyplant vitalizer is used, a satisfactory effect is obtained even if thepowdery plant vitalizer is singly used. It is however preferable tocompound a fertilizer component in the powdery plant vitalizer in such aculture form as to spray the fertilizer component by sprinkling to avoidexcess use of the base fertilizer.

[0119] Examples of the fertilizer component used in the presentinvention include inorganic materials and organic materials which aresupply sources of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Mo, Cl, Si andNa, and particularly, N, P, K, Ca and Mg. Specific examples of theinorganic material include ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, ammoniumsulfate, ammonium chloride, ammonium phosphate, sodium nitrate, urea,ammonium carbonate, potassium phosphate, calcium superphosphate, fusedphosphate (3MgO. CaO.P²O₅.3CaSiO₂), potassium sulfate and magnesiumcarbonate. Also, examples of the organic materials include chickendroppings, cow dung, Bark compost, amino acid, peptone, mieki, fermentedextract, calcium salts of organic acids (e.g., citric acid, gluconicacid and succinic acid) and calcium salts of fatty acids (formic acid,acetic acid, propionic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid and caproicacid).

[0120] The amount of these fertilizer components to be compounded ispreferably 1 to 50000 parts by weight and more preferably 10 to 5000parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the component (A).

[0121] The powdery plant vitalizer composition of the present inventionmay contain other components according to the need besides thefertilizer components. Examples of these other components includechelating agents, surfactants and diluents.

[0122] Examples of the chelating agent include polyvalent carboxylicacids such as citric acid, gluconic acid, malic acid, heptonic acid,oxalic acid, malonic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid,fumaric acid, maleic acid, adipic acidandglutaric acid, potassium salts,sodium salts, alkanolamine salts or aliphatic amine salts of thesecarboxylic acids and aminocarboxylic acid type chelating agents such asEDTA, NTA and CDTA. These chelating agents may be used in combinationsof two or more according to the need.

[0123] The amount of the chelating agent to be compounded is preferably0 to 1000 parts by weight and more preferably 10 to 500 parts by weightbased on 100 parts by weight of the component (A). The growth of plantscan be promoted and fertilizer-absorbing efficiency can be improved byblending the chelating agent.

[0124] Examples of the surfactant include ester group-containingnonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants such as carboxylic acid types,sulfonic acid types, sulfates types and phosphate types and amphotericsurfactants: sulfonic acid type or sulfate type nonionic surfactants arepreferable. These surfactants may be used in combinations of two or moreaccording to the need.

[0125] The content of the surfactant in powdery plant vitalizercomposition is preferably 0.05 to 10% by weight and more preferably 0.1to 5% by weight. The dispersibility of the component (A) when thepowdery plant vitalizer composition is dissolved in water can beimproved by blending the surfactant.

[0126] As the diluent, water-soluble sugars (component (C)) which are anexcipient for the powdery plant vitalizer may be used. Dextrin isparticularly preferable from the viewpoint of solubility andhygroscopicity. The amount of the diluent to be compounded may beappropriately controlled in accordance with a final product without anyparticular limitation.

[0127] These fertilizer components and other components may becompounded either in the particle of the present invention orseparately.

[0128] <Method of Producing the Powdery Plant Vitalizer Composition>

[0129] Although no particular limitation is imposed on the method ofproducing the powdery plant vitalizer composition of the presentinvention as far as it is a method of compounding a fertilizer componentin the powdery plant vitalizer, the powdery plant vitalizer compositionmay be produced using, for example, the following methods.

[0130] 1) A method in which a fertilizer component is compounded in thestage of preparing the O/W emulsion when the powdery plant vitalizer ofthe present invention is produced and then the O/W emulsion is dried byspraying to produce a powdery plant vitalizer composition.

[0131] 2) A method in which the powdery plant viltalizer of the presentinvention is mixed with a fertilizer component.

[0132] As the mixer used when the powdery plant vitalizer is mixed witha fertilizer component, any mixer may be used without any particularlimitation as far as it can mix the both sufficiently. Examples of themixer include Nauter Mixer (manufactured by Hosokawamicron Corporation),V Blender (manufactured by (K. K) Dalton), High Speed Mixer(manufactured by Fukae Kogyo (K. K)), Henshel Mixer (manufactured byMitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.), Redige Mixer (manufactured byRedige) and Ribbon Mixer (manufactured by Hosokawamicron Corporation).

[0133] The powdery plant vitalizer composition may be made into agranule or tablet by extrusion granulation, briquetting andtablet-making in the same manner as in the case of the powdery plantvitalizer.

[0134] The powdery plant vitalizer and powdery plant vitalizercomposition of the present invention are easily emulsified and dispersedin contact with water and can improve the vitality of plants efficientlyby supplying the emulsion-dispersion solution to the plants. Also, sincethe effective components scarcely ooze from the particle, thesevitalizer and vitalizer composition have high effects on the restrictionof blocking during storage, are easily granulated or made into a tabletand well keep up with the diversification of product forms.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0135]FIG. 1 is aschematic sectional view showing an example of aparticle constituting a powdery plant vitalizer according to the presentinvention.

[0136]FIG. 2 is a scematic sectional view showing an example of a porouspowder to which a component (A) is adsorbed or which is impregnated witha component (A).

EXAMPLES Example 1

[0137] A 350 L stirring vessel equipped with a jacket and a dispersingblade (190 mmφ) was charged with 180 kg of ion exchange water and raisedto 75° C. Then, 48 kg of dextrin (Pinedex #2, manufactured by MatsutaniChemical Industry Co., Ltd.) and 36 kg of esterified processed starch(Emalstar #30A, manufactured by Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.)were added to the mixture with stirring the mixture to dissolve. 36 kgof melt stearyl alcohol (Kalcol 8098, manufactured by Kao Corporation)was added to the resulting aqueous solution and the mixture wassubjected to an emulsifying operation. At this time, the stirring speedof the dispersing blade was maintained at 8 m/s and the temperature ofthe vessel was kept at 75 to 80° C.

[0138] Moreover, the above emulsion was processed by circulating it(elements: 5 pairs, processing flow rate: 2000 L/hr) using a static typeemulsifying-dispersing machine (Bunsankun 15D manufactured by (K. K)Fujikin) to obtain an O/W type homogenized emulsion.

[0139] The obtained homogenized emulsion was spray-dried using a spraydrier (AD-0506 N/R Model, Ashizawa•Niroatomizer (K. K)) in the followingcondition: the amount of the emulsion to be supplied: 40 kg/hr, blowingair temperature: 180° C. and the rotating speed of the atomizer: 4000r/min (120 mmφ), to obtain a powdery plant vitalizer.

[0140] The resulting powdery plant vitalizer had an oil content (contentof the component (A)) of 30.3% by weight and an average particlediameter of 230 μm. The particle did not allow the component (A) to oozeout even if a load was applied and was easily dissolved and dispersedwhen it was added in water to form an emulsion-dispersion solutionhaving an average emulsion diameter of 0.5 μm. When thisemulsion-dispersion solution was supplied to plants, it exhibited a higheffect on an improvement in the vitality of the plants.

Example 2

[0141] The same stirring vessel that was used in Example 1 was chargedwith 100 kg of ion exchange water and raised to 75° C. Then, 66 kg ofesterified processed starch (Emalstar #30A, manufactured by MatsutaniChemical Industry Co., Ltd.) was added to the mixture with stirring themixture to dissolve. 34 kg of melt stearyl alcohol (Kalcol 8098,manufactured by Kao Corporation) was added to the resulting aqueoussolution and the mixture was subjected to an emulsifying operationcarried out in the following condition for about 1 hour: the stirringspeed of the dispersing blade: 8 m/s and the temperature of the vessel:75 to 80° C., to obtain an O/W type homogenized emulsion.

[0142] The obtained homogenized emulsion was spray-dried using the samespray drier that was used in Example 1 in the following condition: theamount of the emulsion to be supplied: 40 kg/hr, blowing airtemperature: 200° C. and the rotating speed of the atomizer: 15000r/min, to obtain a powdery plant vitalizer.

[0143] The resulting powdery plant vitalizer had an oil content (contentof the component (A)) of 34.6% by weight and an average particlediameter of 146 μm. The particle did not allow the component (A) to oozeout even if a load was applied and was easily dissolved and dispersedwhen it was added in water to form an emulsion-dispersion solutionhaving an average emulsion diameter of 1.3 μm. When thisemulsion-dispersion solution was supplied to plants, it exhibited a higheffect on an improvement in the vitality of the plants.

Example 3

[0144] The same stirring vessel that was used in Example 1 was chargedwith 150 kg of ion exchange water and raised to 75° C. Then, 20 kg ofdextrin (Pinedex #2, manufactured by Matsutani Chemical Industry Co.,Ltd.) and 40 kg of esterified processed starch (Emalstar #30A,manufactured by Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) were added to themixture with stirring the mixture to dissolve. 40 kg of melt stearylalcohol (Kalcol 8098, manufactured by Kao Corporation) was added to theresulting aqueous solution and the mixture was subjected to anemulsifying operation carried out in the following condition for about 1hour: the stirring speed of the dispersing blade: 8 m/s and thetemperature of the vessel: 75 to 80° C., to obtain an O/W typehomogenized emulsion.

[0145] The obtained homogenized emulsion was spray-dried using the samespray drier that was used in Example 1 in the following condition: theamount of the emulsion to be supplied: 40 kg/hr, blowing airtemperature: 200° C. and the rotating speed of the atomizer: 4,000r/min, to obtain a powdery plant vitalizer.

[0146] The resulting powdery plant vitalizer had an oil content (contentof the component (A)) of 40.7% by weight and an average particlediameter of 217 μm. The particle did not allow the component (A) to oozeout even if a load was applied and was easily dissolved and dispersedwhen it was added in water to form an emulsion-dispersion solutionhaving an average emulsion diameter of 7.7 μm. When thisemulsion-dispersion solution was supplied to plants, it exhibited a higheffect on an improvement in the vitality of the plants.

Example 4

[0147] 5 parts by weight of sodium caseinate (manufactured by KishidaKagaku-sha) and 15 parts by weight of dextrin (Pinedex #2, manufacturedby Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) were added to and mixed within 60 parts by weight of water to dissolve.

[0148] 20 parts by weight of melt stearyl alcohol (Kalcol 8098,manufactured by Kao Corporation) was gradually added to the resultingaqueous solution with stirring (10000 r/min) by a homomixer(manufactured by Tokushu Kika Kogyo Co., Ltd.) and the mixture waspre-emulsified for 20 minutes. At this time, the emulsion was kept at70° C.

[0149] Next, the pre-emulsified emulsion was treated by a high-pressurehomogenizer (manufactured by Nanomizer) at a primary pressure of 35 MPato obtain an O/W type homogenized emulsion to be subjected to spraydrying. The diameter of the resulting emulsion was about 3 μm.

[0150] The resulting homogenized emulsion was spray-dried using a spraydrier (SD-1 Model, manufactured by Tokyo Rikakiki (K. K) in thefollowing condition: the amount of the emulsion to be supplied: 220g/hr, blowing air temperature: 100° C. and exhausting air temperature:80° C., to obtain a powdery plant vitalizer.

[0151] The resulting powdery plant vitalizer had an oil content (contentof the component (A)) of 20% by weight and an average particle diameterof 25 μm. The particle was easily dissolved and dispersed when it wasadded in water to form an emulsion-dispersion solution having an averageemulsion diameter of about 3 μm. When this emulsion-dispersion solutionwas supplied to plants, it exhibited a high effect on an improvement inthe vitality of the plants.

Example 5

[0152] A 10 L container was charged with 4.8 kg of water, to which wereadded 0.64 kg of sodium caseinate (manufactured by Kishida Kagaku-sha)and 1.92 kg of dextrin (Pinedex #2, manufactured by Matsutani ChemicalIndustry Co., Ltd.) under stirring using a homomixer (manufactured byTokushu Kika Kogyo Co., Ltd.) and the mixture was raised to 75° C.,followed by mixing and dissolving.

[0153] 0.64 kg of melt stearyl alcohol (Kalcol 8098, manufactured by KaoCorporation) was gradually added to the resulting aqueous solution withstirring (10000 r/min) by a homomixer (manufactured by Tokushu KikaKogyo Co., Ltd.) and the mixture was pre-emulsified for 40 minutes toobtain an O/W type homogenized emulsion. At this time, the emulsion waskept at 75° C. to 80° C.

[0154] The resulting homogenized emulsion was spray-dried using a spraydrier (TRS-5W2N Model, manufactured by Sakamoto Giken) in the followingcondition: the amount of the emulsion to be supplied: 6 kg/hr andblowing air temperature: 140° C., to obtain a powdery plant vitalizer.

[0155] The resulting powdery plant vitalizer had an oil content (contentof the component (A)) of 20.2% by weight and an average particlediameter of 31 μm. The particle did not allow the component (A) to oozeout even if a load was applied and was easily dissolved and dispersedwhen it was added in water to form an emulsion-dispersion solutionhaving an average emulsion diameter of about 0.9 μm. When thisemulsion-dispersion solution was supplied to plants, it exhibited a higheffect on an improvement in the vitality of the plants.

Example 6

[0156] A 10 L container was charged with 4.8 kg of water, to which werethen added 0.4 kg of sodium caseinate (manufactured by KishidaKagaku-sha) and 1.2 kg of dextrin (Pinedex #2, manufactured by MatsutaniChemical Industry Co., Ltd.) under stirring using a homomixer(manufactured by Tokushu Kika Kogyo Co., Ltd.) and the mixture wasraised to 75° C., followed by mixing and dissolving. 1.6 kg of meltstearyl alcohol (Kalcol 8098, manufactured by Kao Corporation) wasgradually added to the resulting aqueous solution with stirring (10000r/min) by a homomixer (manufactured by Tokushu Kika Kogyo Co., Ltd.) andthe mixture was emulsified for 40 minutes. At this time, the emulsionwas kept at 75° C. to 80° C.

[0157] Further, the above emulsion was treated using a high-pressurehomogenizer (manufactured by Nanomizer) under a primary pressure of 35MPa to obtain an O/W type homogenized emulsion.

[0158] The resulting homogenized emulsion was spray-dried in the samecondition as in Example 5 to obtain a powdery plant vitalizer.

[0159] The resulting powdery plant vitalizer had an oil content (contentof the component (A)) of 50.2% by weight and an average particlediameter of 35 μm. The particle did not allow the component (A) to oozeout even if a load was applied and was easily dissolved and dispersedwhen it was added in water to form an emulsion-dispersion solutionhaving an average emulsion diameter of about 0.4 μm. When thisemulsion-dispersion solution was supplied to plants, it exhibited a higheffect on an improvement in the vitality of the plants.

Example 7

[0160] A 3 L container was charged with 1.2 kg of water, to which wereadded 0.12 kg of sodium caseinate (manufactured by Kishida Kagaku-sha),0.04 kg of a sugar ester (DK Ester F-160, manufactured by Dai-ichi KogyoSeiyaku Co., Ltd.) and 0.48 kg of dextrin (Pinedex #2, manufactured byMatsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) under stirring using a homomixer(manufactured by Tokushu Kika Kogyo Co., Ltd.) and the mixture wasraised to 75° C., followed by mixing and dissolving.

[0161] 0.16 kg of melt stearyl alcohol (Kalcol 8098, manufactured by KaoCorporation) was gradually added to the resulting aqueous solution withstirring (10000 r/min) by a homomixer (manufactured by Tokushu KikaKogyo Co., Ltd.) and the mixture was emulsified for 20 minutes to obtainan O/W type homogenized emulsion. At this time, the emulsion was kept at75° C. to 80° C.

[0162] The resulting homogenized emulsion was spray-dried using a spraydrier (SD-1 Model, manufactured by Tokyo Rikaki (K. K) in the followingcondition: the amount of the emulsion to be supplied: 220 g/hr, blowingair temperature: 100° C. and exhausting air temperature: 80° C., toobtain a powdery plant vitalizer.

[0163] The resulting powdery plant vitalizer had an oil content (contentof the component (A)) of 20.2% by weight and an average particlediameter of 13 μm. The particle did not allow the component (A) to oozeout even if a load was applied and was easily dissolved and dispersedwhen it was added in water to form an emulsion-dispersion solutionhaving an average emulsion diameter of about 2.5 μm. When thisemulsion-dispersion solution was supplied to plants, it exhibited a higheffect on an improvement in the vitality of the plants.

Example 8

[0164] A 20 L Henshel mixer (manufactured by Mitsui Mining & SmeltingCo., Ltd.) was charged with 2.52 kg of a water-soluble gardeningfertilizer OKF2 (composition: N P :K=14 :8:16, manufactured by otsukachemical Co., Ltd.), 0.2 kg of EDTA4Na (manufactured by Wako PureChemical Industries, Ltd.) and 0.08 kg of a sodium salt of anaphthalenesulfonic acid formalin condensate (trade name: Demol N,manufactured by Kao Corporation) and these components were mixed withstirring for 3 minutes. After the stirring was finished, 1.2 kg of thepowder plant vitalizer obtained in Example 1 was further added to themixture, which was then stirred for 1 minute to obtain 4.0 kg of apowdery plant vitalizer composition. The stirring speed was set to 9.4m/s as a peripheral speed.

Example 9

[0165] A 20 L Henshel mixer (manufactured by Mitsui Mining & SmeltingCo., Ltd.) was charged with 2.2 kg of a water-soluble gardeningfertilizer OKF2 (composition:N:P:K=14:8:16, manufactured by OtsukaChemical Co., Ltd.), 0.16 kg of 3Na citrate (manufactured by Wako PureChemical Industries, Ltd.), 0.02 kg of a sodium salt of aβ-naphthalenesulfonic acid formalin condensate (trade name: Demol N,manufactured by Kao Corporation) and 0.02 kg of sodium laurylsulfate(trade name: Emal 10P) and these components were mixed with stirring for3 minutes. After the stirring was finished, 1.6 kg of the powder plantvitalizer obtained in Example 1 was further added to the mixture, whichwas then stirred for 1 minute to obtain 4.0 kg of a powdery plantvitalizer composition. The stirring speed was set to 9.4 m/s as aperipheral speed.

Example 10

[0166] A 20 L Henshel mixer (manufactured by Mitsui Mining & SmeltingCo., Ltd.) was charged with 1.5 kg of a water-soluble gardeningfertilizer OKF2 (composition:N:P:K=14:8:16, manufactured by OtsukaChemical Co., Ltd.), 0.1kg of 3Na citrate (Wako Pure ChemicalIndustries, Ltd.), 0.02 kg of a sodium salt of a P-naphthalenesulfonicacid formalin condensate (trade name: Demol N, manufactured by KaoCorporation), 0.02 kg of sodium laurylsulfate (trade name: Emal 10P) and1.56 kg of dextrin (Pinedex #2, manufactured by Matsutani ChemicalIndustry Co., Ltd.) and these components were mixed with stirring for 3minutes. After the stirring was finished, 0.8 kg of the powder plantvitalizer obtained in Example 1 was further added to the mixture, whichwas then stirred for 1 minute to obtain 4.0 kg of a powdery plantvitalizer composition. The stirring speed was set to 9.4 m/s as aperipheral speed.

Example 11

[0167] A 20 L Henshel mixer (manufactured by Mitsui Mining & SmeltingCo., Ltd.) was charged with 1.4 kg of a water-soluble gardeningfertilizer OKF17 (composition:N:P:K=12:20:20, manufactured by OtsukaChemical Co., Ltd.), 0.16 kg of succinic acid (Wako Pure ChemicalIndustries, Ltd.), 0.08 kg of sodium laurylsulfate (trade name: Emal1OP, manufactured by Kao Corporation) and 0.76 kg of dextrin (Pinedex#2, manufactured by Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) and thesecomponents were mixed with stirring for 3 minutes. After the stirringwas finished, 1.6 kg of the powder plant vitalizer obtained in Example 1was further added to the mixture, which was then stirred for 1 minute toobtain 4.0 kg of a powdery plant vitalizer composition. The stirringspeed was set to 9.4 m/s as a peripheral speed.

Example 12

[0168] A 100 L Nauter Mixer (NX-1, manufactured by HosokawamicronCorporation) was charged with 19.5 kg of dextrin (Pinedex #2,manufactured by Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.), 10 kg of thepowdery plant vitalizer obtained in Example 1, 1.25 kg of 3Na citrate(Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.), 0.25 kg of sodium salt of aβ-naphthalenesulfonic acid formalin condensate (trade name: DemolN,manufactured by Kao Corporation), 0.25 kg of sodium laurylsulfate(Emal 10P, tradename of Kao Corporation) and 18.75 kg of a water-solublegardening fertilizer OKF2 (composition:N:P:K=14:8:16, manufactured byOtsuka Chemical Co., Ltd.) and these components were mixed for 15minutes in the following condition: rotation: 96 r/min and revolution:3.3 r/min, to obtain 50 kg of a powdery plant vitalizer composition.

Comparative Example 1

[0169] Plants were grown only by water without compounding any plantvitalizer as a control when the effect of improving the vitality ofplants was measured.

Comparative Example 2

[0170] A granule (Kalcol 8098, manufactured by Kao Corporation) whichhad an average particle diameter of about 1 mm and was constituted onlyof stearyl alcohol was supplied to plants to measure the effect ofimproving the vitality of plants. As a result, although a certain effectwas observed, a large effect was not observed.

Comparative Example 3

[0171] A 2 L mixer (HIGH SPEED MIXER UM2E Model, manufactured by MitsuiMiike Engineering) was charged with 200 g of porous dextrin (Pineflow,manufactured by Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.), to which werethen added dropwise a mixture of 36 g of stearyl alcohol (Kalcol 8098,manufactured by Kao Corporation) and 108 g of polyoxyethylene sorbitanmonolaurate (Reodol TW L-106, manufactured by Kao Corporation) whichwere melted and mixed at 70° C. in advance, followed by mixing withstirring to obtain a powdery plant vitalizer in which a primary alcoholand a surfactant which was a liquid at normal temperature were adsorbedto dextrin and which had an oil content of 10%.

[0172] The resulting powdery plant vitalizer had an average particlediameter of 110 μm. When added to water, it was dissolved and dispersedto form an emulsion-dispersion solution having an average emulsiondiameter of about 10 μm. When the aqueous solution was supplied toplants, it produced the effect of improving the vitality of plants.However, when a load was applied to this powder, a mixture of thecomponent (A) and the surfactant which was a liquid at normaltemperature oozed out.

Comparative Example 4

[0173] A composition containing no powdery plant vitalizer was obtainedin the same composition and operation condition as in Example 8 exceptthat the powdery plant vitalizer was replaced with dextrin (trade name:Pinedex #2, manufactured by Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.).

Comparative Example 5

[0174] A composition containing no powdery plant vitalizer was obtainedin the same composition and operation condition as in Example 9 exceptthat the powdery plant vitalizer was replaced with dextrin (Pinedex #2,manufactured by Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.).

Comparative Example 6

[0175] A composition containing no powdery plant vitalizer was obtainedin the same composition and operation condition as in Example 10 exceptthat the powdery plant vitalizer was replaced with dextrin (Pinedex #2,manufactured by Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.).

Comparative Example 7

[0176] A composition containing no powdery plant vitalizer was obtainedin the same composition and operation condition as in Example 11 exceptthat the powdery plant vitalizer was replaced with dextrin (Pinedex #2,manufactured by Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.).

[0177] <Test Example>

[0178] With regard to the powdery plant vitalizers obtained in Examples1 to 7 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3, the particle diameter,emulsion-dispersion diameter, component ooze rate and the effect ofimproving the vitality of plants were measured according to thefollowing methods. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0179] With regard to the powdery plant vitalizers obtained in Examples8 to 12 and Comparative Examples 4 to 7, the effect of improving thevitality of plants was measured according to the following method. Theresults are shown in Table 2.

[0180] 1) Particle Diameter and Emulsion-Dispersion Diameter

[0181] The median diameter of the particle was measured using a laserdiffraction/scattering type grain distribution measuring instrumentLA-920 (manufactured by Horiba Ltd.) as an average particle diameter oran average emulsion-dispersion diameter. As the dispersing solvent,ethanol was used when measuring the diameter of the plant vitalizer andwater was used when the emulsion-dispersion diameter of the plantvitalizer was measured. Also, when the emulsion-dispersion diameter ofthe plant vitalizer was measured, a suspension solution in which thesolution concentration of a powder was about 1% was prepared aspretreatment by dissolving and dispersing the particle under stirring tothe extent that the particle is mixed in water by a spoon and furtherdiluted to a predetermined concentration when measured. In themeasurement, the stirring was carried out at a middle level(specifically, the fourth rank among seven ranks of the measuringinstrument LA-920). After the suspension solution was added to adjust tothe predetermined concentration, middle level-ultrasonic wave(specifically, the fourth rank among seven ranks of the measuringinstrument LA-920) was applied for 1 minute to measure dispersiondiameter. It is to be noted that the single monovalent alcohol wasmeasured by a row-tap method. In the examples, smaller particles weremeasured using a laser diffraction/scattering type grain distributionmeasuring instrument and larger particles having a size of 100 μm ormore were measured by a row-tap method. The same result can be obtainedby any of the both methods.

[0182] 2) Ooze Rate of the Component

[0183] A cylindrical cell having a diameter of 2.5 cm was filled with 2g of the powdery plant vitalizer and the powder layer was sandwichedbetween circular filter papers disposed on the upper and lower sides ofthe powder layer. This cell was set to a compactor (manufactured bySankyo Dengyo (K. K)) at normal temperature and a load of 50 kg/cm² wasapplied to the cell from the above for 5 minutes to measure the weightof the component (A) or liquid including the component (A) which oozedfrom the cell and spread through the filter papers, thereby calculatingthe ooze rate according to the following calculating equation.

Ooze rate (%)={Weight of the oozed component (A) or liquid including thecomponent (A) [g]/Theoretical amount of the component (A) or liquid inthe powder [g]}X100

[0184] 3) Effect of Improving the Vitality of Plants

[0185] Measuring method (1): in the case of the powdery plant vitalizer(Examples 1 to 7 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3)

[0186] The plant vitalizer was supplied to a young tomato plant by usingthe following method to measure its growth rate.

[0187] Kind: “Home Momotaro” (Takii Shubyo (K. K)).

[0188] Culture container:Cell tray for germination with 50 holes, Pothaving a diameter of 14 cm for culturing.

[0189] Used culture soil:Takii seeding culture soil(N:P₂O₅:K₂O=480:750:345 (mg/L), pH:6.4, EC:0.96)

[0190] The seeds were scattered on the 50 hole-cell tray in the abovecondition, the young plant was implanted in a pot 2 weeks aftergerminated and the plant vitalizer was supplied to the soil at intervalsof one week totally three times three days after the plant wasimplanted. At this time, the plant vitalizer was dissolved and dispersedin water such that the content of the monohydric alcohol which was amajor component was 50 ppm and the solution containing the plantvitalizer was supplied in an amount of 100 mL per pot.

[0191] After the third supply was finished, the growth state (height,and each weight (means live weight) of the ground part and theunderground part) of each plant and the SPAD value (SPAD502,manufactured by Minolta Camera Co., Ltd.) indicating the degree ofgreenness of a leaf were measured. The measured value which was anaverage of the values measured three times to compare each value as arelative value when the case (Comparative Example 1) of adding no plantvitalizer was defined as 100.

[0192] Measuring method (2): in the case of the powdery plant vitalizercomposition (Examples 8 to 12 and Comparative Examples 4 to 7)

[0193] Tomato seeds “Momotaro” were scattered in a box and thenimplanted in a pot in a stage in which three leafs were developed. Asthe culture soil, Kureha gardening culture soil (Kureha ChemicalIndustry Co., Ltd., fertilizer components:N:P:K=0.4:1.9:0.6 (g)/1 kg ofculture soil) was used and the number of repetitions was set to 10individuals. Treatment was started three days after the implantation ina pot was started. In the treatment, a solution in which the powderyplant vitalizer composition was properly diluted such that theconcentration of nitrogen in the processing solution was 30 ppm waswatered in the soil in a processing amount of 100 mL/pot at intervals of7 days totally five times. The amount (total of the ground part andunderground part) of the plants to be produced was investigated on thesixth day after the plants were treated five times. Each value in thetable was a relative value when the case (Comparative Example 4) ofadding no plant vitalizer was added was defined as 100 to compare thesevalues with each other. TABLE 1 Example Comparative example 1 2 3 4 5 67 1 2 3 Powdery Stearyl alcohol 30.3 34.6 40.7 20.0 20.2 50.2 20.2 Non-100.0 10.0 plant Sodium caseinate 19.0 19.3 12.0 14.6 added vitalizerEmalstar #30A 28.3 63.0 38.1 (control) composition DK-ester F-160 5.0 (%by Dextrin 38.4 19.3 59.0 57.5 35.8 57.7 59.0 weight) Reodol TWL-10630.0 Water 3.0 2.4 1.9 2.0 3.0 2.0 2.5 1.0 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 Average particle diameter (μm)*¹ 230 146217 25 31 35 13 1000 110 Average emulsion-dispersion diameter 0.5 1.37.7 3 0.9 0.4 2.5 — — (10)*⁵ (μm)*² Ooze rate (%)*³ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Unmeasurable (a large amount) Plant vitality- Height 116 113 115 122 114110 112 100 105 113 improving Weight of underground part 139 137 139 153132 130 133 100 110 135 effect*⁴ Weight of ground part 135 132 134 147128 122 126 100 108 128 (relative SPAD value 119 116 118 121 115 112 115100 105 115 value)

[0194] TABLE 2 Example Comparative example 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 Powderyplant Powdery Same Same Same Same Same Non- Non- Non- Non- vitalizerplant vitalizer as in as in as in as in as in added added added addedcomposition example 1 example 1 example 1 example 1 example 1 (control)(% by weight) 30.0 40.0 20.0 40.0 20.0 Fertilizer OKF2 63.0 55.0 37.537.5 63.0 55.0 37.5 Fertilizer OKF17 35.0 35.0 EDTA4Na 5.0 5.0 3Nacitarate 4.0 2.5 2.5 4.0 2.5 Succinic acid 4.0 4.0 Demol N 2.0 0.5 0.50.5 2.0 0.5 0.5 Emal 10P 0.5 0.5 2.0 0.5 0.5 0.5 2.0 Dextrin 39.0 19.039.0 30.0 40.0 59.0 59.0 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0100.0 100.0 Plant vitality- Weight of 125 130 128 122 127 100 100 101102 improvement underground part effect*¹ Weight of 116 121 119 115 120100 101 99 100 (relative value) ground part

1. A powdery plant vitalizer comprising a particle comprising at leastone compound (A) selected from the group consisting of the following(A1) to (A5), an emulsifying/dispersing agent (B) and a water-solublesugar (C) and having a structure in which the component (A) is dispersedin the form of an oil droplet in the particle: (A1) a compoundrepresented by the following formula (1-1):

 wherein R¹¹ represents a hydrocarbon group having 10 to 22 carbonatoms, R¹² represents a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group or a hydrocarbongroup having 1 to 24 carbon atoms and R¹³ represents a hydrogen atom ora hydrocarbon group having 1 to 24 carbon atoms, wherein any two groupsamong R¹¹, R¹² and R¹³ may be combined to form a ring; (a2) a compoundrepresented by the following formula (2-1): R²¹—O—(AO)_(m)—R²²  (2-1) wherein R²¹ represents a hydrocarbon group which has 12 to 24 carbonatoms and may have at least one hydroxyl group, R²² represents ahydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group which has 1 to 24 carbon atoms andmay have at least one hydroxyl group, AO represents an oxyalkylene grouphaving 2 to 4 carbon atoms and m is an average addition mole number ofalkylene oxides and denotes a number from 0 to 5, provided that R²² isnot a hydrogen atom when m is 0: (A3) a compound represented by thefollowing formula (3-1) R³¹—COO—(AO)_(n)—R ³  (3-1)  wherein R³¹represents a hydrocarbon group which has 11 to 29 carbon atoms and mayhave at least one hydroxyl group, R³² represents a hydrogen atom or ahydrocarbon group which has 1 to 30 carbon atoms and may have at leastone hydroxyl group, —COR³³ (R³³ represents a hydrocarbon group having 11to 23 carbon atoms) or a counter ion, AO represents an oxyalkylene grouphaving 2 to 4 carbon atoms, n is the average addition mole number ofalkylene oxides and denotes a number from 0 to 5; (A4) an organic acidderivative of an organic acid having at least two functional groups inwhich at least one of the functional groups has a group containing 1 to30 carbon atoms; and (A5) a glycerol derivative.
 2. A powdery plantvitalizer comprising a particle comprising at least one compound (A)selected from the group consisting of (A1) to (A5) as defined in claim 1and a ater-soluble sugar (C′) having an emulsifying and/or dispersingfunction and having a structure in which the component (A) is dispersedin the form of an oil droplet.
 3. The powdery plant vitalizer accordingto claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the compound (A) is a monohydric alcoholhaving 12 to 24 carbon atoms.
 4. A method of producing the powdery plantvitalizer as claimed in claim 1 or claim 3, comprising the steps ofpreparing an O/W emulsion comprising the compound (A), theemulsifying-dispersing agent (B), the water-soluble sugars (C) and waterand drying the emulsion.
 5. A method of producing the powdery plantvitalizer as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, comprising the steps ofpreparing an O/W emulsion comprising the compound (A), the water-solublesugars (C′) having an emulsifying and/or dispersing function and waterand drying the emulsion.
 6. A powdery plant vitalizer compositioncomprising at least one selected from the powdery plant vitalizers asclaimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 and a fertilizer component.